Three distinguished individuals from West Yorkshire Police have been formally recognised for their exceptional contributions in the King's New Year Honours List for 2026.
Prestigious Awards for Policing Excellence
The honours celebrate outstanding dedication across different roles within the force. Detective Chief Superintendent Heather Whoriskey has been awarded The King's Police Medal (KPM). Ramona Senior, a police staff investigator, receives a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Volunteer Dudley Martin is awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his chaplaincy work.
Heather Whoriskey: A National Leader Against Online Harm
Detective Chief Supt. Whoriskey is honoured for her operational skill, strategic leadership, and commitment to public service. She is a driving force in improving the police response to complex online harms and serves as the national lead for Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse within the Regional Organised Crime Units network.
As Head of the Yorkshire & Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU), she successfully guided the unit through an inspection by HMICFRS that received exceptional feedback. She also founded the Women in Serious and Organised Crime network (WISOC) to promote representation and has been influential in the British Association of Women in Policing.
Ramona Senior: A Trailblazing Investigator
Ramona Senior, based at the YHROCU, is one of the UK's most senior police staff investigators. She is the first police staff member ever to become a senior investigating officer for serious and organised crime, kidnap, and extortion. Her MBE recognises two decades of work leading complex probes into fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime.
Described as a formidable investigator and an exemplary leader, she is hailed as a role model for women in policing.
Dudley Martin: The Heart of Volunteer Support
Dudley Martin BEM, a former officer with 30 years' service, was appointed a police chaplain in 2012. In his voluntary roles, including Lead Chaplain since 2016, he has dedicated over 11,000 hours to supporting West Yorkshire Police personnel.
He has been instrumental in developing a team of more than 26 volunteer chaplains who provide independent welfare support to officers and staff dealing with bereavement, trauma, and personal challenges.
Pride and Recognition from Colleagues
Upon receiving her KPM, Detective Chief Supt. Whoriskey said she was "deeply honoured" and accepted the award with "immense gratitude," thanking her colleagues and family for their support.
Ramona Senior MBE stated she was "truly humbled" and that the recognition reflected the "outstanding dedication and resilience" of the teams she has worked with. She hopes it inspires others to consider a career in public service.
Dudley Martin BEM said he was "very excited" that the honour also helps promote the vital role of chaplaincy within the police service.
West Yorkshire Police’s Chief Constable, Sir John Robins QPM DL, expressed immense pride. "Their dedication, professionalism and compassion exemplify the very best of West Yorkshire Police," he said. He praised Heather's integrity, Ramona's trailblazing work, and Dudley's incredible voluntary service, stating the honours are a testament to their outstanding contributions.
